This is a book containing 15 'chapters' that were originally sold separately. Each chapter covers a different section of sleight-of-hand card technique (with the exception of 3 chapters on false deals and 2 on estimation). This doesn't contain too many 'tricks' but rather sleights that could be used, and are sometimes essential, to accomplishing other tricks.

What convinced me to buy this was the 3 chapters on false deals, one on side steals, and one on multiple shifts (as I was looking to learn those at the time). I was not disappointed. As per the usual Marlo treatment, he doesn't just write how to do a sleight. He writes how to do a sleight, then writes it again with a different method, then another and another and another etc. I believe the most I saw was seven different variations for the same sleight. This ensures that if you don't like the sleight, just look again and find a new version! There are also many different sleights in each chapter i.e. in the side steal chapter there is the deliberate steal, clip steal, color steal, diagonal palm shift and many more.

Difficulty: LEARNING: As far as books go, this is some pretty easy reading (also includes illustrations when necessary). PERFORMING: This is where it starts to get difficult (and I mean REALLY difficult). This is not 'beginner' stuff. This is material that you will need to spend months working on to get to a state that you can perform and get away with it (but what do you expect with stuff like false deals?). But it's well worth the work.

Practicality: 10/10 If you perform sleight-of-hand card magic, then you WILL use this. Just the second deal alone is used by many on a constant basis, and it's just one of many, many sleights taught.

Price: I'll admit, the price is a bit steep, but here at Penguin it's still the best price around. If you perform card magic, then this is an investment well worth the money.

Overall: I got this about a year ago and was only able to learn about 5 sleights to a performable level so far, and I still feel I got my money's worth. I use the side steal, second deal, and bottom deal all the time. So if you're willing to put some time into learning the material, then BUY IT NOW!!!

Ed Marlo is a true card genius. I bought this book because of it's section on 2nd dealing, but it has so much more. This book is full of card sleight goodness. Whenever I have a question about a card sleight I know there will be an answer in this true tome of magic. I would have to say it is one of the best purchases I have ever made. Get it before it's gone.

This book is huge. Buy it and get the equivalent of 30 magic DVD's. This is the go to source of gambler magic. I'm glad I have this resource for my future needs. I don't think I will ever finish reading this book, but only because there is so much to learn inside. Move monkeys rejoice

I am a big fan of Ed Marlo and this is simply the best book I have of him. Incredibly well written. If you love sleight of hand with cards, you will not be disappointed